reloaders

This is a discussion on reloaders within the Reloading forums, part of the Defensive Ammunition & Ballistics category; I am looking for some advice on reloaders. I want to start to reload .45 acp rounds. I have heard that dillon makes a good ...

reloaders

I am looking for some advice on reloaders. I want to start to reload .45 acp rounds. I have heard that dillon makes a good all around loader. I would love to hear what some of you own and what you would recommend. I want to capability to reload pistol and rifle with the same machine, of course with different dies. Thank you in advance for you comments.

The 650 is automated...meaning that the machine indexes the shell plate everytime you crank the handle. With the 550, you must do this yourself. I dont see that as a big disadvantage though and the conversions kits for the 550 are cheaper.

The 550 will turn out from 500-600 rounds and hour, the 650 will do 600-700 rounds an hour.

The 550 takes a litte less time to set up for the various calibers, the 650 will load a bit quicker than the 550.

Having extensive experience on both machines, unless you shoot over a thousand rounds a week, the 550 will serve you well. Shoot more than that, and the 650 will save time and may be the way to go.

I started on an AT-500, basically a neutered RL550. I liked the ability to load one round at a time and really get a handle on the basics, while still being more productive than on a single stage press. Over the years I have bought the parts to upgrade to the 550, which is more expensive than buying it complete the first time.

I've never tried a 650, but by all accounts they are awesome machines. The 500/550 has suited my needs admirably, so I doubt I will upgrade anytime soon.

I started reloading about 25 years ago on a Bear Kodiak (now out of business) single stage, similar to an RCBS Rockchucker. I started using a Dillon 550B when my son and I started shooting IPSC.

I load .45 ACP and 38 special on the 550, but my old single stage still gets used a lot. I shoot several rifle calibers and I load all those on the single stage. Just too expensive to buy all those changeovers for the Dillon with no more rifle loads than I reload. I also do .480 Ruger and .44 Mag on the single stage.

Also on my bench are a Pacific 12 ga reloader and a MEC 600 Jr. 28 ga reloader, but that's another thread.

I dapple in the reloading and bought a cheap old Lee Press and some dies. It Actually came in a set. Ya know I havent had a lick off trouble with it. I have reloaded 223, 9mm, 38 special and 30-30 and all have worked out for me. Just a cheap LEE anniversary kit. It doesnt come with all the dies you have to buy them seperate but it hasent given me a prob one. Hell I think you can get them through cabelas.

I own a Dillon 550B, and it's great, but I think that the Hornaday progressive presses are a bit better and do a couple of things better. (il.e. spent primer handling). However, people look at you funny if you don't have a Dillon. And I do like Dillon's customer service, but I hear that Hornady is doing the smae thing, but it hasn't aquired the legendary status of Dillon's yet.

I'ts a matter of time vs. money as to whether you go for a single stage or more automated one... if you have a lot of time and little money, single stage is perfect. If like me, you have more money than time (and I don't have that much money) the progressives are more worth it.